How to Remove Pet Stains from Rugs
Furry friends add so much joy to our lives, but they can also come with headaches in the form of stains and odors on your household rugs. If you have ever had a new puppy or a territorial cat, you know the pain of coming home to accidents, and you may be wondering how to remove pets stains from rugs. Here are some tips to reduce pet odor and get those stains out, so you can get back to playing with your pets!
An important note before we begin: Before you use any cleaning solution on your rug, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not discolor the rug or change the texture of the fibers. Different materials will react to cleaners in different ways. If your rug is especially delicate, valuable, or important to your family or household, we always recommend removing as much of the waste as you can and then taking it to be professionally cleaned.
How to Remove Pet Stains from Rugs in Just Four Steps
- Remove excess liquid or solids: Time is of the essence when it comes to pet stains on your rugs. Start by scraping away solid waste with a dull edge, and then press clean white paper towels into the rug to absorb as much liquid as possible. Remember not to rub, only blot. Rubbing increases the risk of the stain being permanent.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner: Stains from waste respond best to an enzyme cleaner, which will break them down at the molecular level and remove them from the rug. This helps to discourage your pet from soiling the same area again. Liberally spray the cleaner on the stain and leave it to soak for about fifteen minutes.
- Remove the cleaner and rinse: Using clean towels, press down to pull all the liquid out of the rug. Next, spray the spot with clean water and blot it again with new, dry towels. Continue this process until all of the cleaner has been rinsed out of your rug.
- Dry your rug: Place the rug in a well-ventilated room or place fans around it to speed up the drying process. You want to dry it quickly and completely to avoid mold and mildew growth. Do not let it dry in direct sunlight, because that can fade the color of your rug.
For Older or More Stubborn Stains
The steps above work great right after accidents happen, but you might be wondering how to remove pet stains from rugs after they have dried or set in. Here are three things you can try.
- The Natural Method: Mix together a cleaning solution made of one part white vinegar and one part cold water. Using cold water reduces the risk of damage to your rug fibers. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it liberally onto the stain. Give it some time to sink into your rug, and then use the same blotting and rinsing technique as above to remove the vinegar completely. Vinegar works well for neutralizing the acidity of urine, but its strong smell can encourage pets to mark that same spot again. That is why it is important to remove the cleaning solution all the way.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix a half cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of dish detergent. Do not use dishwasher fluid. Spray the mixture onto the stain and then cover it with a sprinkling of baking soda. Rub it in very gently, and then leave it to dry completely. Once the mixture has dried, vacuum the area until it all comes up.
- Professional Cleaning: The professionals have techniques available to them that are impossible at home. At Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning in Seattle, we offer an enzyme deodorizing bath, which involves fully submersing the rug in an enzyme cleaner and allowing it to soak. We guarantee that this eliminates pet odor. While home pet enzyme cleaners work well, they only address the top layer of the rug. An enzyme bath penetrates all the way through the rug, fully flushing out pet waste and leaving it looking great and smelling fresh!
If you think you need some extra help, we offer rug cleaning in Seattle and Tacoma, and we are experts on how to remove pet stains from area rugs.